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Meter tampering:
Electricity at too high a price
The extreme heat and dry weather we’re experiencing across Mississippi is causing electric power association members to use more electricity. And the more kilowatt-hours our air conditioners, refrigeration equipment and water pumps consume, the higher our energy bills.
The solution can be found easily in better energy management practices and energy-efficient appliances. But would you believe there are those who would rather risk their lives and endanger others by tampering with their electric meter to steal electricity.
Theft involving electricity and related materials is a problem all electric utilities face—and it’s a problem for electricity customers, too. Since your electric power association is member-owned, electricity theft could end up costing you money. Compensating for electricity theft drives up prices for everyone involved.
Theft of electricity also puts your personal safety at risk. Tampering with an electric meter can make it unsafe and unstable. When people steal electricity, they put themselves, their neighbors, family and pets all at risk for electric shocks, power surges, sparks and fire from exposed voltage. Stealing electrical related materials can also pose a significant risk to the culprit, resulting in injury or even death from exposure to live electricity.
Electricity theft isn’t isolated to rural areas or to big cities. It’s a problem utilities encounter from agricultural operations to housing complexes to business offices from coast to coast. Although electricity can be easily acquired through a utility, some people are still willing to risk physical damage or loss of life just for the sake of some “free” kilowatt-hours. Others may not realize the serious legal and potential health implications. Stealing electricity is illegal under Mississippi law and violates electrical codes.
Keeping power safe and affordable is a priority for your electric power association. That is why we routinely inspect cooperative meters and equipment, to ensure we’re doing our best to protect you from the risks of electricity theft. Meter readers and servicemen can easily spot the signs of meter tampering, and they do report their findings to the electric power association. We take a proactive approach to this serious problem, with the goal of eliminating theft and reducing related costs.
You can also play a role in this process, by immediately notifying us if you suspect someone is gaining access to our power supply without paying his fair share of the costs or by tampering with equipment. If you have information related to electricity or materials theft, please notify your electric power association. Rest assured, we’ll keep your name anonymous.
Because you share in the ownership of your electric power association, when people steal from the cooperative, they’re stealing from you, too!
PAST
EDITORIALS
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2003
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August 2003
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- June 2005 - Preparation key to outage recovery when disaster strikes
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- August 2005 - Youth Tour theme reflects co-op tradition of local commitment
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- January 2006 - Reflections on ending a 37-year career serving electric co-ops
- February 2006 - Building on the tradition of service to electric co-ops
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- April 2006 - Youth Leadership program provides opportunities for youth
- May 2006 - No relief in sight for energy prices;
it’s up to us to reduce energy use
- June 2006 - State’s electric co-op leaders
lobby Congress on your behalf
- July 2006 - Linemen uphold standard of service—despite the heat
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